Tag: Restaurants, Bars and Cafe’s

Barebuger Chicago opens on October 3, 2016

Finally! Bareburger will officially open in Lakeview October 3, at 3357 N. Lincoln Avenue. This is part of L3’s new complex including Reverb and Bitter Pops.

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Frio Gelato is coming to 3721 N. Southport

Another small business is coming our way.  Frio Gelato (which currently has a location in Evanston) is coming to 3721 N. Southport Avenue according to Chris Irwin, broker from Jameson Commercial, who leased the space for MBT Management.

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Tuco And Blondie Southport Corridor Opening September 26, and a First Look at their Menu

We have a confirmed opening date of September 26 for Tuco And Blondie!  Scroll down below for full information on the Southport Corridor’s newest restaurant from 4-Star Restaurant Group.

Continue reading “Tuco And Blondie Southport Corridor Opening September 26, and a First Look at their Menu”

Southport Corridor Changes into 2017

Whether you are new to the area or a long-time resident, one thing is for certain: nothing is permanent except change. So if you can’t keep up with all of the changes happening to Chicago’s Southport Corridor, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here is a summary of what to expect into 2017+:

  1. F.I.S.H. Poke Bar Sushi is coming to 3208 N. Southport (former Burger Boss location)
  2. Amazon Books is coming to 3443 N. Southport
  3. Mint Julep is closed
  4. Shake Shake coming to Addison and Clark development in Wrigleyville
  5. LensCrafters coming to 3428 N. Southport, the former  Teavana location
  6. Hanna Andersson coming to 3452 N. Southport, the former Southport Suites building
  7. Real Good Juice Co. is coming to 3548 N. Southport, site of the former Bahn Mi Baget space
  8. Rise Sushi and Galleria Liquors to be replaced by this Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
  9. Chipotle eyeing the Southport Corridor, possibly in the Southport TOD
  10. 3424 N. Southport is currently being redeveloped into a mixed-use space with retail and residential units
  11. Frio Gelato is coming to 3721 N. Southport
  12. Bow Truss Coffee Roasters is coming to Southport & Belmont in Bel-Port Liquors former location
  13. Capital One Cafe and Peet\’s Coffee coming to 3435 N. Southport
  14. Newport Bar & Grill is now closed
  15. Tuco & Blondie Tex-Mex restaurant from Four-Star Restaurant Group is now open in Justin’s former location
  16. B. Rose Salon at 3341 N. Southport has closed and the space is now for lease
  17. Cafe Tola is expanding to Sweet Sensations former space
  18. 5411 Empanadas has opened at 3715 N. Southport
  19. Banana Republic is eyeing the Southport Corridor and trying to find a good location
  20. Dog-a-holics retail shop is now Bentley\’s Pet Stuff
  21. Addison & Clark development is underway
  22. Hotel Zachery with Big Star Chicago among many other changes in Wrigleyville
  23. Lush Cosmetics has opened on Southport
  24. Deleece Restaurant has re-concepted to Grassroots
  25. Coda Di Volpe Italian Restaurant from Billy Lawless and Ryan O\’Donnell is now open
  26. Elevare MD is opening next to Fleet Feet
  27. J. Crew has opened at 3423 N. Southport
  28. SoulCycle has opened at 3423 N. Southport
  29. Williams-Sonoma/West Elm has interest in Southport
  30. Crosby\’s Kitchen is expanding with a new adult concept into the former Wrigleyville Dental space called Ella Elli
  31. Vivial Fine Comfort Food and Cocktails closed; Tango Sur taking over the space as a Tapas Wine Bar
  32. LuluBelles Pancake House building was demolished and new retail/residences have been built and are for rent
  33. Burger Boss and Dojo Chicago are closed and leased – tenants TBD
  34. FlatTop Grill former space is for rent
  35. Einstein\’s Bagel space is currently for lease
  36. Venus Restaurant is coming from The Mercury Theater in Cullen\’s former space
  37. A new mixed-use development is coming to 3334 N. Southport Avenue with retail
  38. Bareburger now open on Lincoln Avenue, part of L3\’s new development including Bitter Pops
  39. Whole Foods is under construction and coming in 2017 to Lincoln, Ashland and Belmont
  40. Large-scale mixed-use development coming to 1356 W. Wellington Avenue with an American Mattress store
  41. The Former “Uncle Fun” building is now a new mixed-use retail and residential development
  42. TOD development at 3400 N. Lincoln Avenue
  43. Mirador Restaurant has closed
  44. Indira moved to 3337 N. Southport
  45. 1342 W. Belmont is being demolished
  46. 3451-53 N. Southport actively being marketed for lease
  47. Target coming to Belmont and Clark

Details and the design direction for 4-Star’s newest Southport Corridor restaurant, Tuco & Blondie

Design Scheme by Space A + P Revealed for New “Mexifun” Concept From 4 Star Restaurant Group and Chef Todd Stein
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO (August 2, 2016) – 4 Star Restaurant Group has announced more details on the design direction for its newest restaurant, TUCO AND BLONDIE, scheduled to open to the public by mid-September (3358 N Southport Ave, www.tucoandblondie.com).  With branding by Chicago-based Grip and culinary operations led by Corporate Executive Chef Todd Stein, the full service cantina concept aims to bring Lakeview an unforgettable, American spin on Mexican cuisine.  TUCO AND BLONDIE’S design inspiration and creative direction, headed by SPACE Architects + Planners, came from La Loteria: a popular game played in the Mexican barrios (colorful and mysterious Mexican lotto cards from a different era, reminiscent of tarot cards).
“We consider all projects to be rooted in the environment and surroundings they occupy,” said Jean Dufresne, a spokesperson for SPACE.  “TUCO AND BLONDIE is at the heart of the Southport corridor commercial district, a very lively and family friendly neighborhood.  We designed the new physical space to reflect that image and we want the neighbors to feel like it’s a welcoming and friendly place for them to enjoy.”
The restaurant will exude a charming and energetic atmosphere through the use of familiar and texture rich materials like weathered brick, distressed wood, concrete and bold graphic tiles.  Evocative of Mexican neighborhoods, SPACE applied nostalgic elements throughout, such as school house inspired seating, industrial lighting and iconic color selections.
The goal is to create a “neighborhood gathering place” – an authentic setting that allows customers to feel at home.  Nothing looks or feels delicate.  Everything is well grounded, sturdy and will stand the test of time and of a busy, bustling restaurant.  With 3,000 spacious square feet inside and over 3,000 square feet of private patio outside, the 250-seat, multi-faceted restaurant is where families or groups of friends can linger and laugh over drinks and a tantalizing meal cooked in Chef Stein’s scratch kitchen
“We fell in love with this neighborhood years ago, and have since been welcomed by all the people that frequent Crosby’s Kitchen,” exclaimed Josh Rutherford of 4 Star Restaurant Group.  “It\’s very exciting to add another completely original concept that we feel fits the fabric of this community.  I can\’t wait to see TUCO AND BLONDIE in action!”
ABOUT 4 STAR RESTAURANT GROUP: 
4 Star Restaurant Group focuses on creating experiences. Fresh, made-from-scratch dishes concepted by Chef Todd Stein serve neighborhood families and friends in comfortable environments.  Founded by Doug Dunlay, Michael Dunlay, Derek Rettell and Josh Rutherford in 2003, 4 Star Restaurant Group has ten entities with more on the horizon. www.4srg.com. 
ABOUT SPACE ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS:
SPACE A + P is a collective of design professionals with a common vision and a passion for architecture, planning and design.  Our growing team is firmly dedicated to its clients, for projects both large and small. We enjoy successful working relationships with all of our clients, and are determined to establish SPACE A + P as one of the premier architectural firms in Chicago. We believe that good architecture evolves through humble, team-based efforts.  Hence, our office thrives in an open and communicative atmosphere, which favors cohesiveness between team members and as a result directly benefits our projects.  http://www.spacearchplan.com/. 

Tuco & Blondie’s Restaurant Rendering

Construction is chugging along this summer, and we have now seen our first rendering of Tuco & Blondie, 4-Star Restaurant Group\’s upcoming Tex-Mex concept that has replaced Justin’s Bar & Grill.

Here is the rendering from Space Architects + Planners:

And a sneak peak of Al pastor tacos ala Chef Todd Stein:

Continue reading “Tuco & Blondie’s Restaurant Rendering”

Construction has started at Ella Elli – 4-Star Restaurant Group’s latest Southport Corridor restaurant

As you recall, 4-Star Restaurant Group, owners of Crosby’s Kitchen are opening a new restaurant in the former Wrigleyville Dental space called Ella Elli.

Construction has now started in the building behind Crosby’s Kitchen, and 4-Star is looking to open an adult restaurant and full bar with French and Italian cuisine in early 2017.

Ella Elli has started construction in the Southport Corridor of Chicago

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Attend SoulCycle this Wednesday and receive a Blackwood BBQ chopped salad to go

Love SoulCycle and Blackwood BBQ?  Attendees of the July 13th (this Wednesday) 12:15pm SoulCycle class at the Southport studio will receive a complimentary Blackwood BBQ chopped salad to take with you! Enjoy! 
 
 

A Sneak Preview of Coda Di Volpe

We attended a preview this evening of Southport\’s newest restaurant, Coda Di Volpe. The space is stunning and comfortable and has a casual but sophisticated atmosphere. The menu is inviting for all, and the bar area is gorgeous. Here are photos of the new space and our original write-up from April below.  We are looking forward for an official opening sometime next week!

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4-Star’s new Tex-Mex Restaurant will be named Tuco & Blondie

4-Star’s new restaurant name at the former Justin’s Bar and Grill location at 3358 N. Southport will be named Tuco & Blondie.

From 4-Star:

4 Star Restaurant Group today revealed the name and design details for their tenth Chicago restaurant opening this September in Lakeview (3358 N Southport Ave).  Introducing Tuco & Blondie, an American spin on Mexican cuisine (http://www.tucoandblondie.com/).  With branding and design development headed by Chicago-based Grip, and culinary operations led by Corporate Executive Chef Todd Stein, the full service cantina concept is destined to be a “Mexican-style, fajitas-eatin’, margarita-drinkin’, good time in the heart of Southport.”  Like other 4 Star restaurants, Tuco & Blondie is designed as a neighborhood gathering place, serving food hot for brunch, lunch and into the night, with sides and sips for sidekicks.
“If you’re hungry, chow down. If you’re thirsty, drink up. We’ll have room for all,” said 4 Star Restaurant Group partner Josh Rutherford.   “From a walk up indoor patio for grub with a view to a lively outdoor back patio scene, it’s bound to be a good time!”
With 3,000 square feet of inside space and 3,000 square feet outside, the 250-seat Tuco & Blondie will invoke a multi-faceted, fun atmosphere where families or groups of friends can linger and laugh over drinks and a meal cooked in Chef Stein’s scratch kitchen.  Drawing inspiration from its naming origin (Clint Eastwood’s landmark film, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly), Tuco & Blondie aspires to be an original classic – where neighbors return for another take time and time again.

“Rooted in the warm tones of the Southwest, our design approach reflects the joy of a raucous family meal where the ‘family’ is extended and the cuisine is extensive,” said Grip partner Kevin McConkey.

Grip’s brand aesthetic is evident in all facets of the interior design direction.  The layout calls for a “dinner in the front, party in the back” setting.    Once inside, guests will be greeted with exposed brick walls, an inviting bar and pops of color throughout.  Outside, patrons will enjoy a picturesque bodega, brick fireplace, engaging courtyard and other fun aspects that will keep them coming back.
Chef’s Stein’s interpretation of Mexican food will feature unique spins on Mexican-American dishes.  Menu highlights planned range from signature fajitas to what Chef Stein swears will be the “best chicken salad you will ever eat (to be named later)!”  Hand-crafted cocktails inspired by The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, including The Man with No Name, Angel Eyes, and the One-Armed Bounty Hunter, will play second fiddle to an extensive margarita menu featuring a variety of distinctive options, from the Cadillac (top shelf) to the classic Strawberry, frozen or on the rocks.
ABOUT 4 STAR RESTAURANT GROUP:
4 Star Restaurant Group focuses on creating experiences. Fresh, made-from-scratch dishes concepted by Chef Todd Stein serve neighborhood families and friends in comfortable environments.  Founded by Doug Dunlay, Michael Dunlay, Derek Rettell and Josh Rutherford in 2003, 4 Star Restaurant Group has ten entities with more on the horizon.
ABOUT CHEF TODD STEIN:
Todd Stein is the Corporate Executive Chef at 4 Star Restaurant Group. He currently heads all 10 restaurants. Stein started out his career studying under two chefs, Keith Korn of Chicago’s Gordon Restaurant and Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin. After spending some time in France at Moulin de la Vierge, Stein built a name for himself at a multitude of critically acclaimed restaurants throughout the country. Formerly the Executive Chef at Concentrics Hospitality, Stein moved back to Chicago and immediately immersed himself in 4 Star.

Continue reading “4-Star’s new Tex-Mex Restaurant will be named Tuco & Blondie”

Indira moving, Newport Bar & Grill Closing, Capital One Cafe with Peet’s Coffee Coming

We have known that 3435 N. Southport (the building that currently is home to Indira Salon and Newport Bar & Grill) has been marketed for flagship retail for quite some time. Indira is moving to 3337 N. Southport which is currently being renovated, and Newport Bar & Grill is scheduled to close July 17.

Capital One Cafe with a Peet’s Coffee has been rumored to be coming to Southport, and will be moving into the space in the first and second floors.

Here is the marketing brochure for 3435 N. Southport.

Continue reading “Indira moving, Newport Bar & Grill Closing, Capital One Cafe with Peet’s Coffee Coming”